Clothes shopping getting harder

I mostly buy online now - so fed up with trawling shops to find nothing - or too often, something I do like, but not in my size.

I buy from just a very few websites where I now know their sizing, delivery is fast and returns are easy and free.

I have always been very happy with sizing and quality of purchases from Roman,their sales are very good too.

Well I've ordered a couple of tops, fat face and roman. Will see how they are. But great idea to look for local ones, I'll get onto that.

* prices

coco12

Foxygloves

I have found a couple of independent “boutique “ type shops in St Neots, Woburn Sands and Castle Ashby which stock more individual items. Not cheap but different. I think it is worth seeking these out as an alternative to the online retailers. Ask around where you live.

Think you're right, it's nice to have something unique.

The good thing about these shops is that they often have pieces from Italy, Germany, Spain etc. Basler, Desigual, Bellentani. The fabrics and the styles are often superior, and I'm not talking about Gucci or Prada proces either.

Otrium also stock Seasalt and Monsoon. It can sometimes be a bit of a hit or a miss.

I have lots of White Stuff clothing, true to size ( and I am rather round! 🤣).
It is my favourite retailer, but I only buy in sales or from the
Otrium outlet

Foxygloves

I have found a couple of independent “boutique “ type shops in St Neots, Woburn Sands and Castle Ashby which stock more individual items. Not cheap but different. I think it is worth seeking these out as an alternative to the online retailers. Ask around where you live.

Think you're right, it's nice to have something unique.

I have found a couple of independent “boutique “ type shops in St Neots, Woburn Sands and Castle Ashby which stock more individual items. Not cheap but different. I think it is worth seeking these out as an alternative to the online retailers. Ask around where you live.

Try Seasalt, Roman or Hobbs. All three have branches where I live but if they're not near you, OP, they are all online.

MerylStreep

Debenhams are still online.

That’s a good point, so are Wallis which coco12 mentioned in her original post.

Debenhams are still online.

I've just had a lovely blouse from Roman Originals and a great dress. They do some lovely tops. Delivery is free and it is only £3 if you have to send items back regardless of how many. Good luck in getting something suitable.

Most of the medium priced quality clothing companies have disappeared over the past decade; Windsmoor, Precis, Principles, Country Casuals, Joules. Choice is limited to designer labels with laughable price tags, or the cheapest end of the market selling almost disposable clothing. I have items bought years ago, or through ebay - trying to find even a simple top in decent fabric is almost impossible.

Great ideas. Thanks everyone

Another vote for The White Company. They've currently got some nice knitted tees for the coming months. Also Reiss, we have one in town.

We have some local stores that sell brands like Betty Barclay, Barbara Lebek, Gerry Weber, Olsen. Most of my dressy tops are Betty Barclay.

I bought a lovely outfit today , we have a Next Clearance nearby. I bought a lovely blouse reduced to a fiver and some black trousers also reduced to a fiver, bargain

I suggest you frequent your local charity shops. We have a two week turnover, whereby anything that has been in our shop for two weeks is sent on to another shop. There are daily donations of quality ‘pre loved’ clothes, some which haven’t been worn and still have original labels. I like Seasalt, White Stuff, Phase Eight, Fat Face, Brakeburn.

My go to for basics is Uniqlo. Fortunately I live near some actual shops, but they do more sales online.

Just been looking at White Stuff. They have nice things but wondering if their tops are short in the body? I need the coverage! 😄 Will look at freeman's now, thank you!

I use Freemans. You can order whatever you like. If you don't like it they will collect it from your porch or convenient place.

If you like plain colours, there’s some lovely stuff in the new collection in White Company. It depends where you live, but there is a branch in most cities. I could spend a fortune, but I’m going to limit myself to replacements.

Who do you use online? There's Roman.. Seasalt looks OK but not tried them

I prefer to shop online - or try the local charity shops. I'm sure that I have enough, though, in my wardrobes, to see me out!